There’s no shortage of options this August for reasons to go to the movie theater. And that’s not even counting the number of re-releases hitting the big screens. While June and July gave us the big, superhero tentpole moments, August is making way for horror and independent films, with multiple releases each week.
From nostalgia-bait sequels, to highly anticipated horror releases, to the latest from Spike Lee and a beloved festival darling finally getting its big screen premiere, there’s plenty to keep tabs on. Each month offers something for everybody, but August in particular has every base covered, from thrillers to animation to music documentaries. Before the festival season hits its peak at the end of the month and into September, here are the films to look for in the coming weeks.
“Weapons”
Poised to be one of the major horror events of the year, “Weapons” marks the major follow-up for “Barbarian” director Zach Cregger. The film follows what happens after one night, all but one child from a classroom mysteriously runs off into the night and how the community reckons with such a disappearance. Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Cary Christopher, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan star.
Release Date: In theaters August 8 via Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Freakier Friday”
Over twenty years since its predecessor, “Freaky Friday,” hit theaters, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are reuniting for the sequel, “Freakier Friday.” As was the case before, the sequel indulges in body-swap shenanigans as the mother and daughter duo face familiar problems while trying to merge families. Directed by Nisha Ganatra (“Late Night”), the film stars Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Rosalind Chao, Ryan Malgarini, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Stephen Tobolowsky, Lucille Soong, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Manny Jacinto.
Release Date: In theaters August 8 via Walt Disney Studios.
“Nobody 2”
Bob Odenkirk takes a stab at action once again with the sequel “Nobody 2.” Odenkirk reprises his role as the assassin Hutch Mansell, who, in an effort to relax, takes his family on a vacation to a picturesque tourist town. However, he soon faces off against small-town corruption. Timo Tjahjanto takes over directing based on a script by original scribe Derek Kolstad. Connie Nielsen, RZA, Michael Ironside, Colin Salmon, Billy MacLellan, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, and Christopher Llyod all return.
Release Date: In theaters August 15 via Universal Pictures.
“Americana”
Directed by Tony Tost, “Americana” stars Sydney Sweeney as a shy waitress who finds herself entangled in a romance and the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal while they’re trying to retrieve a rare artifact. The film premiered at SXSW and stars Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Simon Rex, Gavin Maddox Bergman, Harriet Sansom Harris, Derek Hinkey, Eric Dane, Zach McClarnon, and Donald Cerrone.
Release Date: In theaters August 15 via Lionsgate.
“Highest 2 Lowest”
Spike Lee reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s classic “High and Low” with “Highest 2 Lowest.” Denzel Washington plays a powerful music mogul who is targeted by a ransom plot and must face down a life-or-death moral dilemma while trying to protect his family and legacy. Written by Alan Fox, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and musicians ASAP Rocky and Ice Spice round out the cast.
Release Date: In theaters August 15 via A24.
